Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth is excited to return to league action at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, with his side hosting Newport County on Saturday afternoon.
The Welsh side will head to ME7 providing a different test to the previous two meetings earlier in the season. With a new manager and multiple new signings, Ainsworth realises that his side will have to prepare for a different type of team, but hopes they can put on a strong performance at home.
The Gills boss also provided team news ahead of Saturday's fixture, including a positive update on Garath McCleary. He also addressed the January transfer window.
Returning to match action after the mini break...
I am really looking forward to it. With the time off, we knew that the 10th [of January] was going to be off with the MK Dons FA Cup game, but the Notts County game being called off caught us a bit cold on the Friday there, as we were ready to set off. Thankfully, they called it off a day early, which stopped us from travelling, which was great.
We have used this little break with a few little reminders of principles and of what we are. We had a few days off so the boys could clear their heads, and we have been training hard all week, and now we are ready for Newport on Saturday, so we are looking forward to that. I can't wait to get going again!
These last two weeks have come at the right time for some players. Some players are getting their fitness up, and some players have built up their strength where they have had injury risks and things like that, so we are looking forward to this one.
We have got a bit of a busy schedule after, in March and April, because of the cancellations, but we will have to deal with that as well.
Looking at Newport County...
You have to look at it and go, right, they are different. We have to make sure that we are ready for different. It is going to be a tough game against Newport. They are trying to find their feet. They have lost a couple of players and have gained a couple of players.
We had one defeat and one win against them. We were disappointed in the cup when we went out in the penalty shootout, but I thought that in the league game, we were quite good after a shaky start. Hopefully, the shaky start won't be there this time, and we will go and perform like we know we can at home.
Team news...
Marcus [Wyllie] is probably struggling with a little rocked ankle, and we will make sure that he is okay. Nelson [Khumbeni] is out with his shoulder. Apart from that, I think that we are pretty good. Conor [Masterson] being back is a good boost for us. He is a leader and an experienced player. They are all going to play their part.
Garath [McCleary] is going to be fit, so we are all good on the squad.
On the transfer window...
Myself, Joe Comper, Brad and Shannon [Galinson], we are working really hard. It isn't like we aren't doing anything. It is tough, very tough. Some people are spending crazy money.
This Football Club has fantastic owners who care so much about this club, and they will do it right by the club, but also try to improve the squad as I want to as well. It is a team effort. It is a real together thing. Brad is over at the moment with Shannon, and it's great to see them around the place. I love them being around because it gives a feel of the completeness of Gillingham, and hopefully, we can give them a win tomorrow.
I keep everything close to my chest, and it would be remiss of me. You would upset quite a few people if you started saying which targets you are after. There are a few names in there, but I won't disclose any.
We keep things private.
